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In recent years, collapse rates accelerated. In 1980, 13.5% of 1,736 fish species collapsed. Today, 7,784 species are harvested.
According to Worm, "It's like hitting the gas pedal and holding it down at a constant level. The rate accelerates over time."Oregon State University marine biologist Jane Lubchenco said the study shows fish stocks are in trouble. "I think people don't get it," she said. "If there is a problem with the oceans, how come the case in my grocery store is so full? There is a disconnect."
National Environmental Trust vice president Gerald Leape said "This should be a wake-up call to our leaders, both internationally and domestically, that they need to protect our fish stocks. Otherwise they will go away."
Researchers conducted dozens of controlled experiments. They also examined UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) worldwide catch data since 1950 and ecosystem records. They include sediment cores and archival data going back a 1,000 years.
They said losing so many species is eroding marine ecosystem viability and their ability to resist environmental stresses.
"In 12 marine ecosystems surveyed, they found that a decline in biodiversity of 50 percent or more cut the number of viable fisheries by 33 percent, reduced nursery habitats by 69 percent and cut the ocean's capacity to filter and detoxify contaminants by 63 percent."
For example, Chesapeake Bay oyster fishing collapsed. The whole ecosystem was affecte. In 1980, oyster supplies filtered bay water in three days. In 1988, remaining supplies took over a year.
Marine Ecology Professor Hunter Lenihan said mass dredging oysters over the past century transformed the ecosystem. As supplies declined, water got more cloudy, and sea grass beds dependent on light died off. Phytoplankton replaced them. It doesn't support the same range of species.
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